Airport parking made easy

Before you arrive

How to get the best price for airport parking...

• Airport parking is often limited during busy periods at airports such as Gatwick and Stansted. The cheapest places can get booked up quickly. So it pays to reserve a spot as soon as you can.
• As a rule of thumb, the further the airport parking is from the airport, the cheaper it is, but many car parks offer special deals if you book online.

Choosing the right car park...

Price shouldn't be the only factor you look at when choosing airport parking. Here are some other points you should consider.

• How long does it take to get from your airport parking space to the terminal? This can sometimes be as much as half an hour, so be sure to check this before you book.
• How often does transport run between your airport parking and the terminal? Some car parks can keep you waiting as they only offer a shuttle bus once or twice an hour.
• Will the car park be open—with transport running—at the time you intend to arrive? This is important if you have an early or late flight.
• For the easiest airport parking, choose a valet parking service. You simply drop your car off at the terminal and a driver from the airport parking service will take your car away and park it.

When you get back

A few simple measures can help ensure your trip finishes smoothly.

• Make a note of where you leave your car. You may think you'll remember, but after a relaxing holiday it can easily slip your mind. Few things are as dispiriting as wandering around a massive airport parking area trying to find your car.
• Remember to turn the lights off—it will save you from niggling worries about whether you've left them on as you taxi down the runway. If you do leave them on, don't despair: most airport parking companies have jump leads available to start cars with flat batteries.
• Make sure you find out where you need to go to get transport back to the airport parking when you return. Some car parks require that you call them once you clear customs so they can come and collect you—if so, it's a good idea to enter the number into your mobile phone.

Airport parking tip:

If you have to be at the airport early in the morning, take a look at airport hotels. Many offer free parking for up to 14 days when you book a room at the hotel for a single night.